Fire Sprinklers

Fire Sprinkler Systems 

At Ultrasafe we are specialists in design, installation, commissioning and servicing of domestic and residential fire sprinkler systems. We have many years of experience and numerous happy customers, case studies and testimonials. 

Fire sprinklers not only make a property safer but also enable more open plan designs. The design and installation details of a fire sprinkler system depends on the size and style of the property as well as the nature of its use and of course on the water supply. Broadly there are two types of fire sprinkler system either it can be fed from the mains or fed from a tank with a pump. 

Mains Fed Fire Sprinklers

As the name suggests this is a fire sprinkler system fed directly by the town water main. As such there is no need to store the water in a tank or pump the water around the system. However a town water main fire sprinkler system is reliant on the consistency of water pressure provided by your local utility company.

To feed a fire sprinkler system the water main must satisfy the following criteria:

  1. There must be a dedicated* 32-50mm (cat 1), 50mm (cat 2), 50-63mm (cat 3) incoming water main into the property.
  2. The water main must be unmetered – this is a requirement of the British Standard.
  3. Water pressure and flow must be determined by the design and hydraulic calculation, typically between 2.5 and 4 bar
  4. The water flow rate varies between litres per minute (Cat 1, 1 head) and 240 litres per minute (Cat 3, 4 heads).

If the town water mains supply in your building can not meet these criteria and a new supply is not an option then a stored water supply should be used.

 Pump and Tank Fire Sprinklers – this system is fed from water stored in a tank and pumped to the sprinklers.

Ultrasafe offer servicing, testing, maintenance and servicing on all our fire sprinkler systems for more information please go to our page on Servicing and Maintenance of Fire Sprinklers.

*If a dedicated supply cannot be provided then a priority demand (solenoid) valve can be fitted. This will divert water to the fire sprinkler system upon activation. However, an additional 25 litres per minute will be required on top of the design duty.

Pump & Tank Fire Sprinkler Systems

fire sprinkler tank

Fire sprinkler tank & self testing pump

If the town water main does not meet the criteria cannot then your sprinkler system will need to be fed from a stored water supply. From here we attach a self-testing pump to ensure that the required water can be supplied to all the sprinkler heads. 

Fire sprinkler tank size calculations

The size of the tank is designed by the hydraulic calculations of the system using the number heads determined by the category. BS9251:2021 states typical volume of tanks as Cat 1 1500 litres, Cat 2 3000- 4500 litres and Cat 3 6000-9000 litres.

Should a tank have a proven infill (through a 32mm @ over 1.2 litres per second (cat 1) 50mm (cat 2-3) @ 2 litres per second) then the water storage capacity could be reduced by 40% assuming building control are satisfied with this.

Existing water tanks can be used assuming that the above volumes can be guaranteed for the use of the sprinkler system. A boosted mains water supply system can also be utilised if sufficient water storage is available.

The image shows a domestic water tank and self-testing pump. This system will provide the building with a 10 minute operational run time. (In residential installations the system will provide the building with a 30 minute operational run time).

For help with designs and pricing;

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Benefits of Fire Sprinklers

Saving Lives, Protecting Property

The ultimate benefit that a fire sprinkler system brings is that it saves lives and protects property. No one in the UK has ever died from a fire in a building with an installed and fully maintained fire sprinkler system. A sprinkler system will also bring many additional benefits:

  • Contain, control and quite often extinguish a fire.
  • Use less water (some 400x less) then fire and rescue services.
  • Significantly reduce fire damage.
  • Provide an audible alarm to alert occupants of activation.
  • Provide an eco-friendly fire solution
  • Reduce the amount of toxic and harmful emissions produced as a result of combustion.
  • Operate 24/7 giving you complete and total peace of mind.
  • Significantly reduce smoke damage.

Fitting a fire sprinkler increases flexibility in building design

The benefits of fire sprinkler system do not stop at life safety.  They can also open up many design opportunities through trade-offs.

The design trade-offs of fire sprinklers systems enable architects more freedom in the design of a building and allows original architecture to be respected in the restoration or conversion of older or period properties. Key design trade-offs that can be enjoyed with the incorporation of a fire sprinkler system in a building include:

  • Elimination of a secondary means of escape
  • Extension of travel distances
  • Reduction of boundary distances
  • Greater open planning freedoms on ground floor levels
  • A reduction in fire resistance compartmentalisation

Click here to download a fact sheet showing how a fire sprinkler system fits into the wider context of building regulations as well as trade offs

More information about fire sprinklers:

Fire Sprinkler Case Studies

19-09-2024

New Fire Safety Legislation to Make Sprinklers Mandatory in English Care Homes by 2025

Sprinklers To Become Mandatory in English Care Homes   In a significant step forward for fire safety, the UK Government has announced key changes to legislation, including the introduction of mandatory sprinkler systems in all new care homes across England, set to take effect from 2 March 2025. This change...

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Fire Sprinkler Industry News

19-09-2024

New Fire Safety Legislation to Make Sprinklers Mandatory in English Care Homes by 2025

Sprinklers To Become Mandatory in English Care Homes   In a significant step forward for fire safety, the UK Government has announced key changes to legislation, including the introduction of mandatory sprinkler systems in all new care homes across England, set to take effect from 2 March 2025. This change...

Read More

13-06-2024

NFCC Urges Government to Strengthen Regulations for Mandatory Sprinklers in England

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has published a position statement today, urging the Government to introduce more robust regulations for mandating fire sprinklers and other automatic water suppression systems (AWSS) in England. Sprinklers in Schools and Care Homes The NFCC is calling on the Government to require that sprinklers...

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02-11-2023

The Challenges and Benefits of Retrofitting Fire Sprinklers in Old and Historic Buildings

Retrofitting Fire Sprinklers in Old and Historic Buildings Preserving the architectural legacy of older and historic buildings is a fundamental aspect of cultural heritage. As these structures tell stories of a bygone era, serving as a link between the past and the present. However, these beautiful relics often lack modern...

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16-10-2023

Retrofitting fire sprinklers in high-rise blocks

High Rise = High Risk  While there is currently no mandate to retrofit sprinkler systems in existing high-rise buildings, the fire risk remains significant, potentially even greater than in new constructions. High-rise fires pose unique challenges, often being more intricate for responding firefighters compared to fires in typical residential properties....

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12-10-2023

Ultrasafe Going Strong and Looking Forward to a Bright Future

Ultrasafe are pleased to announce that the business is now under new ownership. Ultramist Ltd (trading as Ultrasafe) Company number 04373626 are now under new management. Purchased by Adrian Pritchard, a CEO with a wealth of experience in the Fire market.  The sale was completed earlier this year and the...

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10-10-2023

  Debunking Fire Sprinkler Myths

Debunking Fire Sprinkler Myths Surrounding the world of sprinkler systems are several common myths that seem to steer towards them being more problematic than useful. However, these myths are in fact very harmful as they create the misconception that buildings are better off without sprinklers which is not only untrue...

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Fire Sprinkler Specialists

Southern Office

Ultrasafe, Unit 1 Bowlings Corner, Marley Lane, Battle, East Sussex, TN33 0RE

Northern Office

U2 Farriers Court, Horsefair Green, Thorne, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, UK, DN8 5EE



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